affects on transition to high school due to corona virus

The transition from middle school to high school is always a big step, and COVID-19 is just adding to the stress of the students. The difference in work is a lot heavier in 9th grade than it is in 8th grade. Usually, the 8th grade second semester strives to prepare us for freshman year but is more difficult without “face to face interaction.” For teachers and students, online learning is new and different, so the main focus has been to try to get everyone comfortable with digital learning.

Emmie H said, “After five weeks, I am comfortable with online school and used to it, but I wonder if I will be prepared enough for next year without being in actual school.” This pandemic has changed a lot for us. It is very stressful transitioning to Highschool in the first place, and COVID-19 is making it harder. Lizzie L said, “I am excited for High School, but because of COVID-19, I think the transition will be a little more difficult.” Without hands-on learning, the transition will be more stressful and scary. Also, adding to the stress, we will not get any closure to 8th grade because of COVID-19. That will make the transition tougher then it should have been.

For most students, it is easier to learn at school vs. at home. The main concern is with online learning\; we will not be covering everything we could be at school. With the transition to online learning, we have lost about 25% of class time, so will we will not be as prepared as we would have been if COVID-19. Maddy W said, “ Will Highschool be understanding of the fact we might be less prepared?” Since Highschool is going through online learning as well, they will understand how rising 9th graders might be a little nervous. They know what rising 9th graders have been through during this pandemic because they are going through it as well.